Sierra Tucson appoints brand management director

Sierra Tucson, an international leader in behavioral, mental and integrative health care, has appointed 15-year seasoned professional Susann Miller, brand management director. 

In her role, Miller will be responsible for ensuring that Sierra Tucson’s mission is properly communicated in a way that builds loyalty and trust with patients, partners, supporters and employees. She also will lead the marketing, communication and community outreach efforts in support of Sierra Tucson’s core values of respectful relationship building, acting with integrity, compassion, excellence and collaborative teamwork. 

Prior to joining Sierra Tucson, Miller served as director of communication and consumer affairs for the Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona where she played a key role in leading the Bureau’s awareness efforts and development of partnerships. She was also director of the Women’s Business Center of Southern Arizona, a national small business administration program where she cultivated relationships within the community to boost education, and awareness and financial support that assisted women to start and grow their own businesses.

“We are excited to welcome Susann to the Sierra Tucson family, as her dynamic experience brings a wealth of knowledge to this vital leadership position,” said Jaime Vinck, MC, LPC, NCC, CEIP, chief executive officer of Sierra Tucson. “Her expertise in marketing strategy, branding and deeply rooted community relations will complement Sierra Tucson’s growing campus.”

Dr. William Cance named interim director of UA Cancer Center

William Cance, MD, deputy director of the University of Arizona Cancer Center in Phoenix and a renowned oncology surgeon and physician-scientist, has been appointed interim director of the UA Cancer Center, effective July 1, 2019.

The appointment was made by UA Senior Vice President for Health Sciences Michael D. Dake, MD.

“Dr. Cance has made enormous strides in Phoenix and across the state to establish a culture of collaboration to advance cancer care and treatment,” Dr. Dake said. “His keen focus on collaboration will enhance programs, advance basic science, reduce disparities and elevate the UA Cancer Center’s reputation for excellence in service to our state.”

Dr. Cance, who joined the UA in October 2016, also is a professor in the Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Surgery in the UA Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy – Phoenix.

Dr. Cance succeeds Andrew Kraft, MD, who has stepped down as director of the UA Cancer Center, a position he held since September 2014. Dr. Kraft will remain at the center as associate director of research. 

As interim director, Dr. Cance will oversee all clinical operations and research for the UA Cancer Center and will have a primary leadership role in the UA Cancer Center’s September 2020 submission for renewal of its five-year Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) through the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Ballard Spahr names Stephen Savage managing attorney

Stephen M. Savage—a well-known business and transactions lawyer who has practiced in Arizona for decades—will become the managing attorney of Ballard Spahr’s Phoenix office on July 1, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.

Mr. Savage succeeds John G. Kerkorian, who was named Strategic Planning Partner for the 650-attorney national law firm. Mr. Kerkorian, who also serves on the firm’s Executive Committee, will maintain his robust litigation practice and continue to be resident in the Phoenix office.

Mr. Savage co-founded Ballard Spahr’s Phoenix office in 2006 with his longtime colleague Karen C. McConnell, a nationally recognized deal lawyer who now co-leads the firm’s Private Equity practice. Mr. Savage focuses on business planning and corporate, commercial, and real estate transactions.

“I’m looking forward to getting back involved with firm governance and firm growth in Phoenix,” Mr. Savage said. “It’s a great office environment with people working collaboratively with Ballard lawyers around the country for impressive clients.”

Jennings Strouss attorney Julia Acken elected to board

Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C., a leading Phoenix-based law firm, announced that Julia S. Acken has been elected to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona. 

“I look forward to serving on the Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona,” states Acken, Member in the firm’s labor and employment department. “I have long been committed to addressing issues facing children and families and I am excited to be part of such a great organization and to have a “hands-on” role in providing these much-needed services for our community.”

Acken concentrates her practice in both labor and employment law and adoption law. She has defended numerous companies in gender, race, and disability cases in state and federal court and provides training to supervisors, human resources professionals, and employees regarding common compliance issues. Acken also has wide-ranging experience representing families throughout the adoption process.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s makes moves

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty — Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate — announced Cathy Green has been named Managing Broker for the Southeast Valley office.

Cathy Green has more than 20 years of experience in real estate, real estate management and the Southeast Valley. She joins Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty after serving as a general manager and vice president for a local Century 21 affiliate.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Southeast Valley office in Gilbert has 27 agents and serves one of the best performing housing markets in the Western United States. The Southeast Valley office serves the vibrant communities of Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert, Ahwatukee and Mesa.

“I am honored to join a best in class culture and company like Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. I am excited to work with our exceptional group of agents and help them thrive and offer exceptional service to home buyers and sellers,” Cathy Green said.

Cathy Green succeeds Managing Broker Sherri Monteith who is now at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Pinnacle Peak office. Monteith is working closely with new Vice President  of Operations Kevin Gonzales, assisting in the development and supervision of agents and enhancing the Client experience in the Pinnacle Peak and DC Ranch Market Street offices.  

Monteith has been with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty for 15 years and has also served as managing broker at the Sedona and Flagstaff offices.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has 12 offices and 850 agents across Arizona. “We are thrilled to have Cathy Green join our team. Her talent and experience in real estate management and the Southeast Valley market make Cathy a valuable addition and will help us better serve our clients,” said Jim Lyon, Chairman of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.